Ten local women receive “Dare to Dream” grants

Angela Schroeder, with the $1,500 coveted Elaine Bromfield Memorial Scholarship, led a group of 10 local women which in total shared $8,400 in scholarship money Tuesday at the annual Front Royal Women’s Resource Center (FRWRC) breakfast.

The “Dare to Dream” program, launched in 1999, provides Warren County women support for educational and business opportunities the “dream about” but cannot otherwise afford.To date, 148 grants worth $105,000 have been awarded to 148 awardees.

Schroeder is a single mother of three children, two of whom have special needs, left her nursing career 30 months ago to raise her three children. Meanwhile, she earned an associate degree on line and now attends George Mason University where ultimately she hopes to earn a master’s degree. She works part time as a residential activity assistant for a nonprofit organization.

The Kim South Girl Grant, $900, went to LaTasha Do’zia-Earley who operates the Selah Theatre in Front Royal and will support three Warren County female middle school students with free tuition for the theater’s summer camp this year.

The eight other grant winners are: Jennifer Avery, another single mom, $1,000 grant to help with her three-year-old video/marketing business; Tierra Burke, 21, $900, who dreams of a career in information technology; Phyllis Carmean, a recent arrival in Front Royal from Indiana, received a $900 grant to help cover educational expenses at Lord Fairfax Community college; Valerie Knight, whose health issues caused her to stop working,turned to artistry for an income and received $600 for an adjustable ergonomic chair.

Also, Viviane Knight, a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and nutrition coach, $500, to provide free exercise classes for those who cannot afford them; Heather McWhinney, mother of two and a self taught artist, $600 towards the purchase of supplies and tools to expand her unique artistry business; JamiLynn Pastore, originally from Florida, a seamstress, $800  to obtain equipment essential to her business; and Jenny Simpson, single mother of two who worked in the child care field for 20 years and dreams of pursuing her associate degree in early childhood education. She received $600 to purchase a laptop  computer so she can complete her school work at home.

The FRWRC is a 20-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to providing a support network for Warren County women through programs, information and education.

“We empower women to change their world,” said communications chair Melanie Mullinax.

FRWRC president Joyce Wimmer presented the awards.

Rebecca Vaughan, the “Dare to Dream” chair, reported that the 10 recipients were chosen from 25 applicants.

See the Press Release HERE.